Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ vs San Diego, CA (2026)

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

San Diego

California
197

Phoenix is 88% cheaper than San Diego.

$1,458/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$2,223/mo ↑ 52%
$77,041/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$104,321/yr ↑ 35%
$381,900 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$848,500 ↑ 122%
$1,430/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$2,308/mo ↑ 61%
1,624,832
Population
1,385,061

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.6%
Sales Tax
7.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and San Diego, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 197 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $765/month cheaper in Phoenix, saving renters about $9,180/year.

Median household income is $27,280/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $848,500 in San Diego.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Phoenix slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs San Diego — common questions

Is Phoenix or San Diego cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Phoenix is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and San Diego?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in San Diego it's $2,223/month — a difference of $765/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or San Diego?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $104,321 in San Diego. Median household income is $27,280/year higher in San Diego.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and California?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Phoenix or San Diego?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/mo, while San Diego has a cost index of 197 with rent of $2,223/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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